Interestingly, cannabis is proving immensely popular with seniors, a demographic that wouldn’t typically be associated with cannabis use. Digging down on the Gallup data reveals that support for the end of cannabis prohibition has risen from 4 percent to 35 percent among seniors since 1969.

While it’s true that today’s elderly may be somewhat familiar with cannabis given its proliferation in the 1960s, the decades of negative stories about cannabis in the media – such as the purported adverse effect it has on mental health – have damaged the plant’s reputation with this demographic.

But while recreational usage may still be a step too far for many seniors, the wide-ranging medical benefits of cannabis, many of which are especially useful for them, are too much to ignore.

For instance, the anti-inflammatory effects of the herb and various cannabinoids are helpful for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and more. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid which has been proven to have neuroprotective properties in pigs and may slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Cannabis and CBD products also help to improve sleep.

These are all areas where seniors, in particular, can benefit from measured cannabis consumption. Unlike decades ago, when understanding of the plant was limited and less was known about how to harness it medicinally, we now have several studies demonstrating how cannabis works in the body. There has also been a sharp increase in intake methods, with e-liquids, sublingual tincture oils, creams and more hitting the shelves, more so perhaps in the non-psychoactive, CBD-only market.

According to Orbis Research, the global anti-aging market was estimated to be worth $250 billion in 2016, with that figure set to rise by more than 30 percent to $331.4 billion by 2021. With cannabis showing some intriguing anti-aging effects through the antioxidant properties of multiple cannabinoids, there appears to be huge potential for cannabis to grow in this area. The antioxidant effects of cannabis work to neutralize free radicals, which cause aging. Using a cannabis-infused cream often may help to reduce wrinkling and keep the skin looking vibrant.

Topical products are ideal for seniors, as they can help to protect the condition of the skin, and also to reduce the inflammatory pain caused by arthritis, by regulating the immune system response through the endocannabinoid system – cannabinoid receptors are expressed in the skin, hence why cannabis can have a medicinal effect when applied topically.

Final thoughts

As cannabis changes and more and more products become available, the industry appears well set for further growth. CBD creams, CBD e-liquids, CBD capsules and more are all complementing the recreational market and presenting consumers with a novel way of using cannabis without having to experience a high.

One comment

Eric

August 18, 2018 at 1:30 am

Almost 60 and 30+ Yrs. specializing in senior planning 24/7 I don’t think it’s damaged the plants Reputation with the Senior Demographic as much as some think.
From the Rocket City of North Alabama to the Music City of Tennessee and all ages and economic levels in between please keep in mind that Fear and Prison is all most Seniors have ever been consumed with.
We are a product of our environment and adapt to our surrondings.
Take Off The Shackles And Fear Of Cannabis Conviction and my guess is you’ll find the Plants reputation is Not that damaged after all.
I pray for a blessing to help those with cancer, crohn’s, parkinsons, arthritis, ptsd, pain, etc. etc.
Thank You For All Your Work
Genesis 1:29 – God said: I give you every seed bearing plant for food.
e

The Green Market Report focuses on the financial news of the rapidly growing cannabis industry. Our target approach filters out the daily noise and does a deep dive into the financial, business and economic side of the cannabis industry. Our team is cultivating the industry’s critical news into one source and providing open source insights and data analysis